Abstract: A platform balance suitable for transmitting forces and moments in a plurality of directions includes a lower and upper frame supporting a platform. At least one tare assembly attaches the two frames, where the tare assembly includes an arm attached to the lower frame with a pivot. A counterweight is attached to the arm on one side of the pivot, and the first end of a compression strut is attached to the arm on a second side of the pivot, with a second end of the compression strut attached to the upper frame. The compression strut includes a set of spaced-apart flexures, each compliant about a horizontal direction, such that the compression strut is configured to be rigid in a vertical direction and compliant in the horizontal direction. The flexure stiffness is tuned, considering the vertical load on the strut, to achieve zero horizontal stiffness of the loaded strut.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for applying two or more lines of mortar to lines of bricks to tuckpoint the same. The tool and method of the present invention comprises a mortar inlet which can be connected, via suitable length hose, to a mortar pump which can pump mortar under pressure to an inlet. The tool and method includes means for taking the supplied mortar and splitting or dividing it into two or more streams and further includes means for discharging the mortar to means for applying the mortar to the bricks.